Minister Ng, Minister Champagne and Ambassador Hillman promote Canada-United States economic ties in Windsor and Detroit

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

March 5, 2024 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development; the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry; and Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States, were in Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, today to meet with industry, labour and other key sector representatives on both sides of the border.

As the Team Canada-United States engagement strategy co-leads, they participated in a Canada-United States Business Association round table at which they heard from Detroit-Windsor region business community leaders with a particular interest in cross-border trade.

They also met with Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit, and Garlin Gilchrist II, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, to discuss future economic and trade development opportunities.

In addition, Minister Champagne visited the world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, while Minister Ng and Ambassador Hillman met with labour and industry representatives at the Unifor regional office in Windsor to discuss the importance of a more sustainable, fair and globally competitive economy for workers.

Ministers Ng and Champagne and Ambassador Hillman concluded their visit with a tour of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, one of the largest Canada-United States infrastructure projects in history.

Quotes

“Canada and the United States are long-standing friends, partners and allies. We see this reflected every day in our trade, including through integrated supply chains that support economic growth and good jobs in each country. Our Team Canada-United States engagement strategy is all about strengthening and promoting those bonds to support security and prosperity on both sides of the border.”

Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and    Economic Development

“The Detroit-Windsor corridor is a testament to the strength of the North American automotive manufacturing sector, one of the most integrated industries in the world. By working with our American friends to build and secure resilient supply chains, we can lead and thrive in the low-carbon economy of the future, particularly when it comes to electric vehicles.”

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“This region has long recognized the unique economic partnership that Canada and the United States enjoy. Whether we are talking about our highly integrated auto industry, our strong trading relationship or our shared natural resources, our work together showcases the strength of cross-border collaboration. Together, we will continue to anchor one of the most competitive, prosperous and resilient economic regions in the world.”

Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States

Quick facts

  • In January 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a Team Canada engagement strategy to promote and defend Canada’s interests in and with the United States.

  • Minister Ng, Minister Champagne and Ambassador Hillman co-lead the approach. They are conducting outreach in Canada and the United States with the goal of reinforcing the important economic and diplomatic relationship between Canada and the United States.

  • The Canada-United States partnership has been forged by shared geography, similar values, common interests, strong personal connections and powerful, multi-layered economic ties.

  • Canada and the United States share one of the largest trade relationships in the world, with trade valued at $1.3 trillion in 2022.

  • More than $3.6 billion worth of goods and services crosses the Canada-United States border every day, supporting millions of jobs on both sides of the border and driving innovative collaborations that strengthen North American competitiveness.

  • Expected to open in the fall of 2025, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will make it easier to move more goods, people and services between Canada and the United States.

Associated links

Contacts

Shanti Cosentino
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
343-576-4365
Shanti.Cosentino@international.gc.ca

Audrey Champoux
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
audrey.champoux@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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